Newsletter: September 2007 Archives

« August 2007 | Main | October 2007 »

September 26, 2007

In Pastor's Words

Harvest Time

This is celebration time! Another cycle of sowing, growing and harvesting is coming to a close and the ground will rest up during the Winter to give way for another cycle to begin in the Spring. Why are the seasons so reliable? Because of a promise of God in Genesis 8:22, which says, “As long as the earth endured, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Harvest time gratifies the harvesters especially, because they can hold in their hands the results of their hard work. In addition, harvest time also generates thanks since we know that no matter how hard we may work, it is God who gives the increase and makes things grow. Most important of all, our physical harvest provides examples of the existence of a spiritual harvest ready right now.
Jesus referred to a spiritual harvest in Matthew 9:37 when he said, “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” In those two verses “harvest” is mentioned three times to refer to people in need of salvation and who need our witness, prayer, encouragement and nurturing. The harvest fields of the world are as close to us as our next door neighbors or as far away as the remotest outposts of our planet. First, the harvest of people who are ready to receive Christ and be nurtured as disciples requires our prayer. “Ask the Lord of the harvest . . to send out workers” (Matthew 9:38). Would you be willing to take the time each day to pray for just one person, couple or family who may not attend church, who may not know Christ, and who needs to be part of the harvest? Just as a physical harvest was once an idea and a plan, a spiritual harvest begins with a prayer. Second, a spiritual harvest requires involvement. Just as the physical harvest must have enough workers at the right moment to gather ripened crops, there must be sufficient workers for God’s harvest of souls. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2). We are the laborers! We who know and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are God’s harvesters out in the world, inviting, befriending, encouraging, loving, helping and sharing the Good News of Jesus. Paul said, “we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corm. 5:20).
While driving through vast orchards in Jericho, Israel one time, I was amazed to witness the total neglect of acres and acres of orange groves that contained some of the world’s most delicious oranges, oranges that would almost melt in your mouth. Millions and millions of oranges were left ripened on trees or rotting on the ground because laborers were few, explained my Israeli host. The lesson is clear from our Lord’s harvest instructions: people are waiting for our willingness to reach out with friendship, love and sharing the Gospel and will respond if we will obey Him. It’s harvest time now around the world and it’s harvest time in Worland. Let’s not let this harvest go unattended!
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:43 PM | Comments (0)

THE BUZZ AT ZION

IT'S A GIRL!Congratulations to Clint & Sarah Lungren on the arrival of there little girl! Page Anne Lungren was born on Friday, September 21st at 8:30am. She weighed 6 pounds13 ounces and was 20 inches long. Welcome baby girl!

Chancel Choir
ATTENTION ALL WHO SING:
Chancel Choir practices will begin on Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30pm and continued through the holiday season. Our first performance in on October 7th for World Wide Communion. Please come and join us as we prepare our voices to worship the King!

RESERVATION LIST
Just a friendly reminder in regards to the Permanent Reservation List. This list was designed to help the ladies in the kitchen prepare their meal more accurately for Wednesday Night Dinners. If your name is on the list your plate is prepared. So, remember is you can not make the dinner please call Peggy (347-3511)by Tuesday to let them know. We appreciate your help in this very important matter. Thank you!

SCHAUBLE BABY SHOWER
Saturday, October 6th at 1:00pm we will shower Kelly and new born son, Kaden Alexander Schauble. Come join us as we shower this new family.
Suggested gifts are:
Larger size baby clothes
Diapers and Wipes

Sunday School is off to a great start! We have had an average of 97 in attendance for the last two weeks. There are some great studies, so don’t miss out on this years exciting Sunday School classes!
F.A.I.T.H. Fellowship-Meets in the Chapel
Study of Jonah - Meets in the Sanctuary
New Members Class - Meets in Pastor’s Office
Jr. & Sr. High classes - Meet upstairs
AWANA 3-5th grade - Meet in Fellowship Hall

ATTENTION ALL USHERS!
There will be a brief meeting for ALL ushers immediately following Morning Worship on Sunday, September 30th. PLEASE be there to meet with LeRoy Fabricius and Pastor Partelow

RECEPTION SUNDAY
Sunday, immediately following the morning service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall for Khela Morado. Her leadership with the youth will be missed greatly! Come and celebrate with us as we wish her the best in all her endeavors.

INDESCRIBABLE DVD’S ARE HERE
“The Heavens are telling the glory of God…The amazing DVD’s by Louie Giglio were available for you to purchase a few weeks ago. The wait is over! The DVD are in and available for to pick up in the church office. The cost of the DVD is $15. Please make checks payable to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Dear Friends of Zion,
God never fails to answer prayers and no matter how often we have asked for your prayers you have never failed us.
Thank you for every act of kindness. We still covet your prayers.
God Bless,
Sid & Daisy Crawford

Hello Family,
I know that it has been a while since I have put some news in the Newsletter about how things are going here with me. I’m sorry. Well, I did graduate in August and then quickly moved up north to Bloomington, Minnesota to continue another year with the Honor Academy. A week after my arrival I started mission courses at the Bethany College of Missions College. I’m really enjoying the new more family atmosphere that is here. You see, here on this campus there are retired Missionaries that live here, as well as families with children that live here on campus with us. There are three different schools that are on the same campus, there is the Honor Academy, Bethany College which is taught by the retired missionaries that live here and then a new Internship called BHOP (Bethany House of Prayer). So as you can see there is a lot of things that are going on here. It’s so amazing to be here, I’m learning a lot in the Old Testament class that I am taking right now and wish you all had the time and I had the paper to tell you about what the Lord is doing. We will soon have an opportunity to go into South Minneapolis to do some evangelism work with the Inner City Kids. This is one of the outreaches that we will be doing this year. There are about 40 Interns that I help over see here and they are all such a blessing. Its hard to believe that I was in their shoes just a year ago. I do want to thank all of you for your prayers and your support to me. I’m still having to fundraise money for being here doing this ministry work and training here. While I was home in June I raised $2,499, and that will get me through November.. Your mission support is very much appreciated. I will be writing a more detailed Newsletter that will be available to you all soon. Thank you so much for your prayers that are felt everyday.
Consumed by the Call,
Mattie

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2007

THE BUZZ AT ZION

CAR CARE CLINIC
That’s right! Sept. 29th from 8-? there will be a Car Care Clinic! This ministry is for a single moms and elderly. Attention ALL Men! Your help is needed to make this ministry go. Call Brad Reuer (347-4971) after 11am for appointments or to volunteer. Ladies: Cookies will also be provided for the children. If you would like to make them, please have them at the church that morning.

RESERVATION LIST
Just a friendly reminder in regards to the Permanent Reservation List. This list was designed to help the ladies in the kitchen prepare their meal more accurately for Wednesday Night Dinners. If your name is on the list your plate is prepared. So, remember if you can not make the dinner please call Peggy (347-3511 )by Tuesday to let them know. We appreciate your help in this very important matter. Thank you!

Greetings Birthright Supporters,
The fair is done for another year, we’re rested up and have added up the numbers. They are lower this year. Our profit was $490.32. We’re very thankful to all of you who worked at the booth, some for long hours. We hope you enjoyed it. We have some food left over: washed and wrapped potatoes, and frozen meat toppings. We would like to sell them, please call Peggy at 347-3054.
The Lord Bless you,
Peggy Morton, Director

Dear Church Family,
I’m sorry that I haven’t written sooner. Life has been very busy down here. I started on the 17th of Aug. It has been very challenging for me the past 4 weeks. I have been getting up at 4:30 am every morning for corporate exercise. This has been physically challenging and has been showing me that I can’t rely on my own strength, but that I have to have God’s strength to even attempt to get through. My “boot camp” or what they call “Hell week” is coming up soon. It’s called ESOAL (Emotional Stretching Opportunity of a Lifetime). This is the point of my year where I know God is going to break me. Although I have leaned about how to rely on God, I will not only need to rely on him to get through ESOAL, but also to get through the rest of the year. I know that God is going to do so much in my life while I’m here and I know that when I leave here, I will be able to fight as an Elite Warrior for Christ. I know that you have been praying for me and I that you will continue to as I go through the most life transforming times of my life. God is also teaching me to be frugal with my money and has showed me how to spend it more wisely. I miss you all and I am praying that I will be able to come and see you at Christmas time. May God bless you and keep you in His arms.
In Christ, Sarah Garnett

JONAH RETURNS!!!!!!
After three days of misery, Pastor Steve has returned from the belly of the whale! He will be prepared this Sunday to regale you with his experiences. Come join his Sunday School class at 9:15am in the Sanctuary as he embarks on a study of the book of Jonah and its relevance to your life.

OUR DAILY BREAD
They have arrived! The October, November & December edition of Our Daily Bread, in large print are here. They will be placed in the Narthex for you who would like to pick one up. Should you wish to reserve one just call the office (347-2266) and I will set one back for you.

Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir practices will continue each Wednesday at 7:30pm and continued through the holiday season. Our first performance in on October 7th for World Wide Communion. Please come and join us as we prepare our voices to worship the King!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
September 26, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Navajo Tacos with all the trimmings, Chips and Nacho Cheese, Cherry Jell-o Salad, and Root Beer Floats.
Yummy!
*$3.00 per adult, $2.00 per child
or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

The Enduring Influence of Our Words

     If ever you were to visit the Elsinore Castle of Denmark, erected about 1200 AD, you would hear the interesting story of how the king of Pomerania built the castle and another one across the Skagerrak Channel (Sweden, today) in order to control entrance into the heart of Europe. Today the castle at Elsinore is in disrepair, the castle in Sweden is gone, and the Pomeranian king’s name is all but forgotten. But tourists still flock to Elsinore because William Shakespeare later in history chose that castle for his drama, Hamlet, highlighting that the power of the pen outlasts the power of the sword.
     To an even greater degree, the Word of God is so enduring that it will never be outdated, diminished or eradicated. Jesus promised, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished“ (Matthew 5:8). Further, “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Peter also weighs in on this thought with, “the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:25). The Bible, then, remains God’s absolute standard of faith and practice for all people for all time.
     As we mentioned on Sunday, our words also have an enduring effect upon others for good or for evil. Words that leave our mouth cannot ever be retrieved, taken back, changed or improved upon. If you live with the conviction that God’s Word is truth and to be heeded, as I do, then consider Jesus’ strong warning in Matthew 12:36: “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.” Why? Because, “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). What is in our heart comes out of our mouth. What comes out of your mouth? Profanity, criticism, slander, or other expressions of evil? Or praise, affirmation, encouragement and other expressions of goodness? Our speech betrays our inner identity and has an enduring influence over our family, our friends and even our church for good or for evil.
     For our words, the outflow of our heart, to have an enduring positive effect on those around us, our inner being must be surrendered to and controlled by Jesus Christ. With the presence of Jesus and His enduring Word controlling our heart, negative influence will give way to positive influence in our relationships at home, at school, at work and with God.
Pastor Ralph Partelow

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2007

THE BUZZ AT ZION

WOMEN OF THE WORD (WOW)BIBLE STUDY
WOW Small Group will be starting a new study on “The Centrality of the Cross”. On Tuesday, September 4th at 9:30am, ladies will meet for coffee at Donna Jones’ house to reorganize for the Fall. The study will then begin the following week, September 11th and will continue to meet at Donna’s house for the remainder of the study. Each study will begin with a lesson, via DVD, and followed by discussion. Author, Mike Atkins, teaches with a combination of personal anecdote, masterful illustration and revelatory insight.
All women are encouraged and invited to attend this new fascinating study.

MISSING VHS TAPE!
Lamplighters small group would like to do the tape study on Deliver Us From Evil by Ravi Zacharias. However, the first tape (sessions 1-4) is missing. If you have this tape please return it to the Zion Library or contact Carol McMartin @ 347-3088. Thanks!

CAR CARE CLINIC
That’s right! Sept. 29th from 8-? there will be a Car Care Clinic! This ministry is for a single moms and elderly. Attention ALL Men! Your help is needed to make this ministry go. Call Brad Reuer (347-4971) after 11am for appointments or to volunteer.
Ladies: Cookies will also be provided for the children. If you would like to make them, please have them at the church that morning.

IT’S A Families In Christ FALL PARTY!
Come to Todd & Nicole Scheuerman’s for a night of family fun!
Friday, September 14, 6:30 PM-??
1412 Robertson Ave
431-2551
First, we’ll pick our fall study topic & create a calendar for meetings. Then, we’ll laugh as we watch a Bill Cosby video
Snacks & drinks will be provided
BYOC-bring your own children!

CALLING ALL CHILDREN’S CHURCH VOLUNTEERS!
Children’s Church will begin September 16th!
Children’s Church is for children ages preschool through 3rd Grade. I will be handing out the volunteer schedule on September 16th. If you have volunteered before, I will be plugging you into the volunteer schedule unless you have talked to me about not teaching this year. If you haven’t helped in the past and would like to, please let me know ASAP! Volunteers teach 2 or 3 times during the school year. All the materials are prepared for you ahead of time. It’s fun and rewarding to invest in our children’s spiritual lives. Come and join us! Nicole Scheuerman 431-2551

LOSS OF SON
We received this letter last week from Billy and Sadie John in Blue Gap, Arizona.
“...Right now I have been slowed down in my life because we lost one of our precious sons, on August 14th. It’s difficult. But with prayers of our friends we seem to move on again. So we want you to pray for us too. You can tell others that come out here to pray for us too.
Do write, we love hearing from you.
May God bless you all.
Love in Christ,
Billy, Sadie & Family”

Should you wish to write them a letter or send them a card their address is as follows:

Billy & Sadie John
PO Box 4392
Blue Gap, AZ 86520

INDESCRIBABLE DVD’S FOR SALE
“The Heavens are telling the glory of God, and their expanse declares the work of His hands. Night after night they remind us of just how small we are, and how huge God is…”The amazing DVD “Indescribable”, by Louie Giglio, was viewed during Sunday School on Rally Day and is available for you to purchase. The cost of the DVD is $15.00. If you wish to buy a copy please call the church office before Monday, September 17th. The order will be placed ON Monday. Once the DVD’s arrive you may pay for them in the church office as well. Don’t want to buy the DVD? That’s okay, there are TWO available for check out in the Zion Library!

WHERE ARE THE SMITH’S ?
Well, we just happen to know...We received this email last week...
“Thought I'd drop you a note and let you know where we are. Geri, Kolter, Kade and I moved to Alaska in June when I accepted a job with ConocoPhillips Alaska. I'm working in the oil business now and really enjoying it. If you or anyone from Worland and Zion get up this way let us know. We'd love to see you.”
God Bless,
Kyle, Geri, Kolter & Kade Smith
13415 Konrad Drive
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 726-1987
(307) 286-4337

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
September 19, 2007 @ 5:30pm
Parmesan Chicken, Wild Rice, Hot Pecan Peas, Salad, & Chocolate Éclair Dessert.
Mmm! Mmm!
*$3.00 per adult, $2.00 per child
or $12.00 per family
Come join in the fellowship and fun!

CHANCEL CHOIR
ATTENTION ALL WHO SING:
Chancel Choir practices will begin on Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30pm and continued through the holiday season. Our first performance in on October 7th for World Wide Communion. Please come and join us as we prepare our voices to worship the King!

A LETTER TO THE CONGREGATION
I am sad to announce that Khela has decided to resign as Youth Director here at Zion effective September 30th. She is not leaving the church, and will continue leading her worship team. Khela is now working as an Administrative Assistant to the Principal at East Side school. We will deeply miss her as part of our ministry team, and we thank her for her dedicated and effective ministry to our youth! A search committee has been organized, and we are beginning the process of looking for the person that God is preparing as our next Youth Director. We appreciate your prayers for Khela, as she begins a new season in her life, and for those involved in the search process, as we seek God’s will for the future of our youth ministry.
Pastor Steve

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)

In Pastor's Words

Sunday School for All Ages
Begins THIS Sunday!

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN
Birth - 2 years
The nursery is available for all children ages 0-2 years of age.

AWANA Program
Awana is an international, Bible-centered children's ministry program. The goal of Awana is to equip children with scripture and to know, love and serve Christ. This program is available for ages 3-5th grade. The ages are broken down into three classrooms.
Cubbies, ages 3-5; taught by Kim Sanford and Katy Asay
Sparks, K-2nd grade; taught by Nicole Scheuerman
T&T, 3rd -5th grade; taught by Joe Asay

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Jr. & Sr. High
Both classes will be doing a Fall study on the life and ministry of Jesus. The Jr. High class is taught by Melissa Hefenieder while the Sr. High class is co-taught by Steve & Sue Kiracofe and Ryan & Amber Clark.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS

New Membership & Friendship Class
Want to Find Out More About Zion? Or Join the Church? Come to the Membership & Friendship Class at 9:15 a.m., Sundays, beginning September 16th in Pastor Partelow’s office. 5 weeks only. Meet our leaders. Hear about our ministries, beliefs & history. The best way to get connected!

Pastor Couch’s Class
A Study In Jonah
Please join us in the sanctuary at 9:15am each Sunday for lively discussion and lots of interaction as we launch into the book of Jonah. Come and learn with us as we encounter God’s power and amazing grace, and as we gain insight into our own lives through studying the life of Jonah, as well as others, in this wonderful book!

F.A.I.T.H. FELLOWSHIP
Friends Advancing In True (Christian) Humility enjoy fellowshipping Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 10:15 in the Chapel. Each 4-6 weeks, we converse over a topic of interest to the group. Our texts are 32 page Radio Bible Class pamphlets and God’s Written Word. We discuss the topics and find personal applications through small groups, with lecture minimized. Come join us!

Come join us for a GREAT start!
Remember: "Seven days without Sunday School makes one weak!"

Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)